We spend a good proportion of our time sitting on our sofa, so it's a piece worth investing in (the other really important thing to invest in is your mattress, check my post about mattresses here). Whether you are looking for a long term investment or for something in-between (are you renting? No point buying something too expensive if you don't think you can carry the look in your next home!) here's my pick of the best sofas for all budgets and needs.

Some of the sofas are smaller in size but work hard to make every penny count. You can squeeze them in the smallest of spaces and some can even double up as dining seating because of their banquet style.

1/ My first pick for under £500 is this 50s style two seater in graphite grey by Made.com.

What I love about this sofa: it has multiple uses. Because it's tall, you can easily place it in front of a radiator and hide all the ugliness. You can also use it instead of a bench at your dining table. Adding to that, cleaning under it will be super easy. You can combine it with the lounge chairs from the same range. And it is available in Biscuit beige too with fab piping. At £299, could you really do better?

The 'Jersey' two seater sofa by Made.com in graphite grey, £299

2/ Next up, a simple sofa that can be squeezed in the smallest of rooms or in front of a bay window. The 'FINO' 2-seater sofa in red fabric is a streamlined contemporary design with compact proportions – perfect for smaller living spaces – and a vibrant colour. Exclusive to Habitat, the design has ultra-slender arms and legs that complement its clean lines and scatter cushions for relaxed lounging. Available in a variety of colours, the Fino range includes an armchair and an upholstered bench, which can also be used as a coffee table. For £395, it is pushing it for what it can offer but I have tried this one and it is super comfy. It will look good with a nest of tables in front.

The 'FINO' red fabric 2 seater sofa from Habitat, £395

3/ Now, this little gem from John Lewis starts at £349 for basic fabrics but you can design it to your colour scheme. My favourite would a fabulous Designers guild Hot pink Varese fabric and this combination will set you back around £749.

The Basics Twiggy Petite Sofa by John Lewis shown in Bowden Charcoal, £349

4/ If you want to get that country feel without splashing big cash, the ORSON from Made.com is the one for you. A two seater (dogs off!) it comes in a few colour ways which is great. At 156cm its smallish but so is its price - £499.

The ORSON from Made.com, £499.

5/ OK, upping the price range, and I bet you expect more for your money (I would!). There are two options here: either you go for bigger size, or you customise a smaller sofa. There's some fierce competition but my pick in this category would be the West Elm Blush Settee with its high back that is tufted. It reminds me of sofas you would see in a posh hotel and it's got a bit of boudoir chic written all over it. And I would definitely combine this with a marble top coffee table.

The ELTON settee from West Elm, £559

6/ If you love pink, you will definitely love this art deco sofa, the Orlando, by Arlo & Jacob in peony, £960. Built for strength and strong on comfort, Orlando is the perfect lounge-around-lounge. The contemporary proportions of this art deco influenced, decadent beauty offer the perfect mix of wonderful comfort and contemporary style.

The Orlando, by Arlo & Jacob, £960

7/ I love DFS, not least because there is always some kind of sale on, but because they have produced some seriously good looking sofas over time and my own is also from DFS (the Gower from their collaboration with Country Living).

Shown below is their new Chesterfield sofa, the Britannia. Athletes spend hours upon hours intensively training for their craft especially now that this year’s Rio Olympics is just around the corner. Away from their family and friends, they dedicate their time into pushing themselves to be the best that they can be to make the country proud. Relaxation is an integral part of any athlete’s lifestyle as this is time when they can bond with their family and temporarily escape the pressures of competing. DFS knows the importance of relaxation better than anyone, and is now the official homeware partner for Team GB at this summer’s Olympics in Rio. In honour of this, Philip Watkin DFS’ design director, and his talented design team created The Britannia, a specially designed, limited edition sofa that celebrates Team GB and provides a centre piece to British House: the home of Team GB in Rio

The Britannia, from DFS starts at £1,698 for a cosy 2-seater

8/ One of the most successful ranges at IKEA, the STOCKHOLM, has produced products of iconic style like the black and white rug, coffee tables (shown below) as well as its 3 seater sofa, available in funky green or tan leather. Both look utterly gorgeous and start at £1,000. Check the photos below for some interiors inspiration of the sofa in situ.

9/ Like a sports car from the 60s, the Smithfield by HABITAT is lovingly handcrafted in Italy using age-old methods and techniques. Aaron Probyn designed this ageless beauty as part of Habitat’s 50th birthday celebrations. Not your main couch if you have plenty of space as this is only 170cm wide. It's quite pricey too but the design will look good for years to come. £2,700.

The Smithfield by HABITAT, £2,700

10/ Who needs cushions anyway! This will fit well in a sophisticated bachelor pad or in a members only club. You can also make it yours and enjoy the deep tufting and smart buttons. With a philosopher's name, the Descartes will sure make an impression. From Sofa.com, £1,380 onwards.

The Descartes from Sofa.com, £1,380 onwards.

11/ If a laid back look is what you are looking for, then LOAF's BAGSIE is your go to sofa. Soft cushions for your bum and great support for your back (and feet!), this sofa catapulted LOAF into the stratosphere of sofa design.

BAGSIE, from LOAF.com, £1,795 for the medium size (211cm)

#shopping